No Contest : Diving into Europe

The latest instalment of No Contest is a deep dive into Western Europe’s incredible surfing scene, filmed right as the World Surf League rolls in to the continent.

After visiting a large portion of the planet, it’s fitting the World Surf League swings through the western shores of Europe right as the world title race ramps up en route to its conclusion in Hawaii next month.
Once again our own Jacob Wooden has teamed up with the crew from Stab to bring you the best of the backstage action from France to Portugal, with a little of the Basque Country and Spain thrown in for good measure along the way.

In Hossegor, France, we check-in with Italian superstar-turned-local-resident Leo Fioravanti, witness legendary wave Le Graviere turn on and deliver churning below sea-level cement-mixer barrels, and meet up with longboard star Victoria Vergara, who gives us a guided tour of her hometown.

The WSL and Red Bull have brought back surfing’s original punk rock circus – the airshow – and we take you backstage as Josh Kerr’s inaugural Red Bull Airborne event launches in style.
“Who needs the CT anyway!” roars young Californian Eithan Osborne in the heat of the moment as the final kicks off, perfectly capturing the spirit of the WSL’s newly adopted rogue child.

We hang with Mason Ho and Noa Deane, and hear from Kerrzy himself as Yago Dora, Griffin Colapinto and Jack Freestone scoop the field in an event that has left the world anxiously wanting more.

In San Sebastián we meet Adur Letamendia, the face of the new generation of the Pukas surfboard empire, to delve into the history of the company and the region – and hear how they managed to not miss a beat despite fire razing their factory to the ground just over a year ago. Hometown hero and Big Wave World Tour competitor Natxo González swings through to show us his quiver, while we reminisce about some of the iconic craft that went up in flames and marvel at the fierce Basque spirit.

Last but not least, Kanoa Igarashi gives us the lowdown on his favourite stretch of coast on the planet around Ericeira, before we head north up the coast to Peniche for a date at the world tour’s penultimate stop.

Three countries, two events and one hell of a good time make this our longest and most enjoyable No Contest edit for the year, but don’t just take our word for it, hit play now and enjoy the show.